Albany vs Eugene: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Albany, OR and Eugene, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, OR | Eugene, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,863 | $119,759▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.67 | $57.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,022 | $100,339▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,155▲ | $111,028 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,209 | $143,822▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,223 | $146,907▲ |
| Total Employed | 580 | 3,590▲ |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Eugene is $1,896 (1.61%). Eugene's median is +16.58% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $49,201,Eugene spans $46,568. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($117,910 effective) pays 2.14% more than Albany ($115,439 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,759/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,907)
- ✓Larger job market (3,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,910)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Albany grew 43.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Eugene over the same period.
Albany, OR
$77,940 (2019) → $111,920 (2025)
Eugene, OR
$92,590 (2019) → $113,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, OR
Eugene, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Albany or Eugene?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Eugene?
Should I relocate from Albany to Eugene as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Albany vs Eugene?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov